Chapter 34 - Judgment

Summary

Perrin Aybara orders scouts to remain active during the upcoming trial as he senses a magical anomaly preventing gateway creation around his camp. He confers with Dannil Lewin and Neald about the likely presence of a trap set by Slayer or the Forsaken, while Faile manages camp morale and prepares for the proceedings. At the pavilion, Morgase presides over the trial with Galad Damodred presenting charges of murder and Darkfriend sympathies regarding the deaths of Lathin and Yamwick. Perrin defends himself by explaining his wolf connection, his loss of control during the fight, and his past service alongside Bornhald's father in the Horn of Valere. Morgase rules him guilty of unlawful killing but applies the Kainec protocol to reclassify the incident as a mercenary brawl rather than murder. She passes sentencing authority to Galad, who accepts Perrin's conditional submission delayed until after the Last Battle and departs without specifying the punishment, while Morgase announces her intention to accompany Perrin back to Andor.

Characters

• Perrin Aybara (Perrin Goldeneyes, Lord of the Two Rivers) — Senses a magical anomaly preventing gateway creation and suspects a trap set by Slayer or the Forsaken. Defends himself at his trial by explaining his wolf connection and past service in the Horn of Valere, ultimately agreeing to submit to Galad's judgment only if delayed until after the Last Battle.
• Sulin — Relays Perrin's orders to keep scouts active during the trial despite her Maidens' desire to dance the spears.
• Dannil Lewin — Admits to organizing a covert evacuation plan for Perrin at Faile's request and receives instructions to wait for a signal before executing it.
• Gaul — Observes Perrin's acceptance of command with approval, accepts weapons from his gai'shain, and stands guard during the trial proceedings.
• Azi al'Thone — Serves as one of Perrin's daily guards while he inspects the camp and prepares for the upcoming judgment.
• Wil al'Seen — Accompanies Azi as part of Perrin's rotating guard detail during the camp preparations.
• Neald — Confirms that gateway weaving fails within a specific radius around camp, matching the magical dome observed in the wolf dream, and reports on army training for large-scale Traveling.
• Grady — Practices forming large gateway circles with Neald to prepare for moving the entire army if the trap is broken.
• Faile — Manages camp morale by leveraging her alliance with Berelain, prepares formally for the trial, and rides alongside Perrin while voicing her concerns about his safety and the impending judgment.
• Aravine — Receives orders from Faile to prepare the refugees for a potential rapid evacuation and relays the command through the camp.
• Aldin — Noted by Faile as frequently visiting Aravine, suggesting he has moved on from his previous romantic pursuit of Arrela.
• Flann Barstere — Inspects his bow and arrows alongside fellow soldiers, displaying renewed confidence and relief in Faile's presence.
• Jon Gaelin — Checks his equipment near the camp lines, sharing a wave with Faile that reflects improved relations between her and the Two Rivers men.
• Marek Cormer — Prepares his weapons alongside Flann and Jon, his demeanor showing a marked improvement in morale following recent events.
• Daylight — Serves as Faile's mount for the journey to the trial grounds, equipped with divided riding skirts for practicality.
• Chiad — Approaches Gaul with freshly sharpened spears and new arrows as a gesture of concern for his safety during the trial.
• Bain — Kneels before Gaul to offer weapons, earnestly expressing worry for his well-being while engaging in complex Aiel social dynamics.
• Morgase (Your Grace, Mother) — Presides over the trial as an impartial judge, rules Perrin guilty of unlawful killing but applies the Kainec protocol to reclassify it as a mercenary brawl, and passes sentencing authority to Galad before announcing her departure with Perrin.
• Galad Damodred — Presents the charges against Perrin, questions Byar's claims about the Horn of Valere, accepts Perrin's conditional submission to judgment, and departs without specifying the punishment.
• Berelain — Sits near Perrin during the trial, openly staring at Galad with lingering infatuation while observing the proceedings.
• Alliandre — Takes a seat near Berelain and watches the trial with visible tension, her hand covering her mouth as the verdict approaches.
• Rowan Hurn — Moves to verify that Galad has released the captives before the trial officially begins.
• Bornhald — Objects to Perrin's defense, reveals his father died at Falme, and expresses deep distrust of Perrin's claims regarding the Horn of Valere.
• Byar — Testifies against Perrin regarding the deaths of Lathin and Yamwick, accuses him of Darkfriend sympathies, and attempts to manipulate events by revealing he once tried to get Perrin killed.